The Strand, Townsville facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Strand |
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The Strand Seaside
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| Location | Queensland, Australia |
| Nearest city | Townsville |
| Operated by | Townsville City Council |
| Open | 24 hours |
| Status | Open all year |
| Public transit access | Bus and ferry |
The Strand is a popular waterfront area in Townsville, Australia. It is found in the suburb of North Ward. From The Strand, you can see the Port of Townsville and Magnetic Island. You can also spot Cape Cleveland in the distance. This lively area has a jetty, a fun park, places to eat, cafes, and swimming pools.
History of The Strand
The Strand has been an important part of Townsville since the city began in the mid-1800s. The current waterfront area opened in October 1999. This happened after the old foreshore was badly damaged by a big storm. Tropical Cyclone Sid hit in January 1998. Other heavy rains and winds also caused damage between 1997 and 1998.
The Townsville City Council and the Queensland State government worked together. They provided money to rebuild the foreshore. About 80,000 people came to celebrate its grand opening. The event included fireworks and a special air show.
The Strand was named Australia's cleanest beach in 2008. This was the second time it won this award in five years. In 2009, a large Anzac Day march brought 20,000 people to The Strand.
Fun Events and Festivals
Since it opened, The Strand has been a place for many yearly and monthly events. On the fourth Friday of each month, Strand Park hosts Nightmarkets. These markets are very popular with local families.
Other events include the annual Townsville City Council Christmas celebrations. These feature Carols by Candlelight and Stable on the Strand. There is also a fireworks display and gathering on New Year's Eve. Every two years, The Strand hosts the Strand Ephemera. This event lets local artists show their amazing artworks along the foreshore. Some of these art pieces have even become permanent parts of The Strand, like the Silver Coconuts near the Rock Pool.
The Strand also hosted the 2001 Centenary of Federation events. These included a fireworks show and an air show that attracted about 86,000 people. The Strand was also a special stop for the 2000 Sydney Olympics Torch Relay in Townsville.
What to Do at The Strand
The Townsville City Council has a program to show off all the fun things you can do at The Strand. It also highlights the many fitness areas available.
Here are some popular features:
- Oceanway pavement for walking or cycling
- The Rockpool, a natural saltwater swimming area
- Barbecue areas for picnics
- Surf Lifesaving Club
- Strand Park, a large open space
- A fun Waterpark
- Tobruk Memorial Baths, a famous swimming pool complex
